There comes a time in every girl’s life when your skin doesn’t want to cooperate. Whether it’s a hormonal breakout or one honkin’ zit…we’ve all been there. When this happens, panic and stress ensues and you try to find any and every possible remedy. Desperate times call for desperate measures: heavily medicated spot treatments, face masks, experimenting with high end, all natural, or over the counter skincare products, or a top of the line facial. In recent weeks I’ve been dealing with more than just breakouts, I would call it an outright rebellion. Rashes, irritation, bumps you know, the skin apocalypse! I also was experiencing some stomach pains, nausea, and physical weakness. What gives?! After about a handful of meltdowns, I decided to see a dermatologist.

Two of my older sisters swear by Bobby Buka’s work with their respective skin issues. When they saw that my skin was in need of professional help (lol), they recommended that I set an appointment ASAP. I made an appointment with Dr. Amy Spizuoco and I found out more than I had bargained for! First and foremost, the office downtown (214 Sullivan St. New York, NY) is G O R G E O U S, very hip and modern, (no anxiety filled white walls or clinical feel). Anyway, I told the doctor my skincare history, including my most recent purchases and she even asked about my eating habits. After this, she called in a facial specialist to take a closer look at my skin. After basically being dissected, it turns out I am allergic to dairy. 😥 After reading about all the symptoms that come from a dairy allergy, all of my past boughs of illness and weird digestive behavior finally made sense. Dr. Spizuoco was very sweet and helpful and quickly knew what to prescribe me for my skin: Epidou & Tretinoin:

Epidou– An antibiotic-free, topical treatment. Contains 0.1% adapalene (a retinoid- a vitamin A derivative, great for anti-aging and scarring), and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. It is designed to get rid of any kind of breakouts you’re working with and keeps them away by unclogging blocked pores and penetrates beneath the surface of the skin. Results may vary and can be seen anywhere from 4-12 weeks. Epidou also as an APP to track your progress and to remind you to apply the cream/gel when needed.

Tretinoin– another vitamin A derivative used to treat acne and all that comes with it, dark spots, wrinkles, and sun damage. Can also be used to treat inflammatory red bumps (yes those pesky, painful hormonal breakouts on your chin and jawline!)

The facial specialist was equally as helpful, advising me to use a mild cleanser from Neutrogena or Cetaphil, use SPF 30+, and a night moisturizer that does not combat with the medications (no AHA or Glyolic acid). Also she told me to stop exfoliating and using toners 😯 , because the Epidou basically takes care of those functions. She also enforced the importance of using face masks at least once a week, preferably all natural. She was kind enough to write down a facial recipe for me to use:

Basically, you make organic oatmeal using soy milk and purified water and when it is ready you put it in the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Then, you leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse and proceed with your nighttime medication or moisturizer.*She advised I alternate between essential oils: Licorice oil for brightening properties for tired or dull looking skin. Calendula oil for its healing properties. (Both can be found at health food stores) You can also use honey in place of agave nectar in this recipe.

Here is a slideshow of my new and improved skincare routine:

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Overall, my experience at the dermatologist was an eye opener. After spending money on countless products trying to fix my own skin issues, I feel like getting insight from a professional is exactly what I needed to get on the right track.

Tell us! What is your favorite face mask? Have you ever needed a skinervention?

On the hunt for the right curl cream? Sam introduced me to Shea Moisture products, which was also suggested by Refinery 29. Before, I used Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curl cream and it just stopped working like everything else. My hair was also damaged from years of flat ironing at least 3x per week so I needed something to bring my hair back to life. I cut off what was left of my damaging ombre and started using the Deep Treatment Masque(available at Walgreens $8.99) once a week. I would leave it in over night and wash my hair in the morning.

Since I started using my hair feels very soft and my curls are more defined. Also, its lasts! no need to re-apply the curl enhancer the following morning. So far these products are the best products I’ve found for my hair. Get to Walgreens ASAP while they’re still on sale! I’ve been using these heaven sent products for 6 weeks now. Check out the slideshow for before and after pictures!

Why I like this product: My skin and the winter don’t get along. This cold weather leaves me feeling dry and sometimes itchy. Itching leads to scratching which leads to rashes and they are not a good look! Sam introduced me to this product about 2 years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since . You can use it for just about everything- the label speaks for itself.

I apply this once a day over my entire body (preferably after showering before bed) so I wake up with my skin feeling like a baby’s bottom.

The Shea butter comes sort of grainy and hard so rubbing it between your hands will melt it and make the application much easier . ( or you can count on your bf to leave it on top of a radiator by accident until it melts -which is what happened to me) It doesn’t have much of a girly/pretty scent so I like to throw on some baby cologne after wards.

This product is also great in the summer and can be used as sunscreen, oh and perfect for massages 😉